Reports: Hernandez murder charge linked to 2012 murders?

Authorities are investigating the possible connection of former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez to a double murder that occurred in Boston last summer, multiple outlets reported, that might have something to do with the murder charge Hernandez faces in the death of 27-year-old semi-pro football player and friend Odin Lloyd.

ABC News andThe Boston Globe said the case being examined is the drive-by shooting deaths of Daniel Abreu and Safiro Furtado last July, before Hernandez's final season playing for the Patriots.

According to The Globe, investigators believe Abreu and Furtado were involved in a fight at a club with a group that included Hernandez. Later, a car driven by Abreu took gunfire from an SUV. Abreu and Furtado died on the scene. The case remains unsolved -- but might prove to be a motive for Hernandez's alleged involvement in the murder of Lloyd.

The Globe reported that investigators believe Lloyd, killed in a North Attleborough industrial park June 17 near Hernandez's home, might have had information about the deaths of Abreu and Furtado. Hernandez was charged Wednesday with the murder of Lloyd and five gun-related violations.

Hernandez is being held without bail. He will appear before a Bristol County (Mass.) Superior Court judge Thursday to appeal the bail ruling.